The Hyundai Equus () is a full-size, front-engine, rear-drive, four-door, five passenger luxury sedan manufactured and marketed by

Hyundai Hyundai is a South Korean industrial conglomerate (" chaebol"), which was restructured into the following groups: * Hyundai Group, parts of the former conglomerate which have not been divested ** Hyundai Mobis, Korean car parts company ** Hyundai A ...

from 1999 to 2016. The name ''" equus"'' is the

Latin Latin (, or , ) is a classical language belonging to the Italic languages, Italic branch of the Indo-European languages. Latin was originally a dialect spoken in the lower Tiber area (then known as Latium) around present-day Rome, but through ...

word for "horse". In 2009, Hyundai released the second generation with a rear-wheel drive platform and competing with the

BMW 7 Series The BMW 7 Series is a full-size luxury sedan manufactured and marketed by the German automaker BMW since 1977. It is the successor to the BMW E3 "New Six" sedan and is now in its seventh generation. The 7 Series is BMW's flagship car and is ...

, Mercedes S-Class,

Audi A8 The Audi A8 is a full-size luxury sedan manufactured and marketed by the German automaker Audi Audi AG () is a German automotive manufacturer of luxury vehicles headquartered in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany. As a subsidiary of its paren ...

and

Lexus LS The is a full-size car, full-size luxury car, luxury sedan (F-segment in Europe) serving as the Core product, flagship model of Lexus, the luxury division (business), division of Toyota. For the first four generations, all LS models featured V8 ...

. As of August 2014, the second generation is sold in South Korea, Russia, China, United States, Canada, Central America, and South America — as well as in the Middle East under the Hyundai Centennial nameplate. On November 4, 2015, Hyundai officially announced the Genesis model would be spun off into

Genesis Motor Genesis Motor, LLC, commonly referred to as Genesis ( ko, 제네시스, translit=Jenesiseu), is the luxury vehicle division of the South Korean vehicle manufacturer Hyundai Motor Company. Initially envisioned along with plans for Hyundai's n ...

, the new

luxury vehicle A luxury car is a car that provides increased levels of comfort, equipment, amenities, quality, performance, and associated status compared to moderately priced cars. The term is subjective and reflects both the qualities of the car and t ...

division for Hyundai. The 2016 successor to the Hyundai Equus has been rebranded as Genesis G90 (EQ900 in Korea until 2018).

First generation (LZ/YJ; 1999)

In 1999, Hyundai Motors and

Mitsubishi Motors is a Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan.full-size sedan. Hyundai said that it was making a full-size sedan to compete with Mercedes-Benz S-Class and

in the Korean market. In reality, it was competing against its domestic rival, the SsangYong Chairman. Hyundai had great success with the Equus in Korea, but very few were exported to other countries. One was exported for the 2001

New York International Auto Show The New York International Auto Show is an annual auto show that is held in Manhattan in late March or early April. It is held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. It usually opens on or just before Easter weekend and closes on the first S ...

to gauge the reaction of U.S. consumers. Hyundai identified the car to the U.S. consumers as the Hyundai LZ450 luxury sedan but it was not sold in the United States. The first generation was designed by Mitsubishi Motors, who had their own version called the Proudia. It was jointly manufactured by both companies. The first-generation model was introduced in 1999 as a

front-wheel-drive Front-wheel drive (FWD) is a form of engine and transmission layout used in motor vehicles, where the engine drives the front wheels only. Most modern front-wheel drive vehicles feature a transverse engine, rather than the conventional longi ...

car measuring long and wide. A long-wheelbase limousine model was available exclusively for the Korean domestic market, and at ₩92,510,000

South Korean won The Korean Republic won, unofficially the South Korean won ( Symbol: ₩; Code: KRW; Korean: 대한민국 원) is the official currency of South Korea. A single won is divided into 100 jeon, the monetary subunit. The jeon is no longer used f ...

for the 2008 model with a V8 and no options, was the most expensive model in the company's lineup. The first-generation Equus extended-length limousine was also mechanically related to the

Mitsubishi Dignity The is a full-size luxury car originally manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors from late 1999 to 2001 as the flagship of the company's domestic range, alongside the shorter Proudia, and was reintroduced 2012 to Japanese buyers as a rebadged fift ...

limousine for the Japanese market. The first-generation Equus were sold in

South Korea South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a country in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korea, Korean Peninsula and sharing a Korean Demilitarized Zone, land border with North Korea. Its western border is formed ...

China China, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, slightly ahead of India. China spans the equivalent of five time zones and ...

, and the

Middle East The Middle East ( ar, الشرق الأوسط, ISO 233: ) is a geopolitical region commonly encompassing Arabian Peninsula, Arabia (including the Arabian Peninsula and Bahrain), Anatolia, Asia Minor (Asian part of Turkey except Hatay Pro ...

. A very limited number, badged as the Centennial, were made available for some western European markets in the early and mid-2000s. At first, there were two engine types: a 3.5 Sigma V6 and 4.5 8A80 (Omega)

V8 engine A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder piston engine in which two banks of four cylinders share a common crankshaft and are arranged in a V configuration. The first V8 engine was produced by the French Antoinette company in 1904, developed and us ...

. After a few months, the 3.0 Sigma V6 engine type was added. Two versions were available: a sedan (3.0, 3.5 and 4.5) and a limousine (3.5 and 4.5). In Japan, under the name of Mitsubishi Dignity (limousine version) and

Mitsubishi Proudia The is a luxury sedan manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors, positioned below the flagship Dignity limousine (itself a lengthened version of the Proudia) in the company's range. Its name is a portmanteau derived from the English word "proud" and ...

(sedan version), about 2,000 units were sold. Specifically, the 4.5 8A80 (Omega) V8 engine was a GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) type engine, which was designed and developed by Mitsubishi Motors. This engine was optimized for premium unleaded gasoline fuel, but there was little opportunity to get this type of fuel in Korea at that time. So, most of these engines used normal unleaded gasoline fuel and then had significant performance issues, resulting in complaints from drivers. Finally, Hyundai Motors modified this engine from a GDI Type to a MPI (Multi Point Injection) type to solve the issue. It added curtain airbags in 2001 and active head restraints in 2002.

New Equus

In 2003, Hyundai presented their 'New Equus', changing the hood design and some of interior. A 7-inch screen for the rear seat, Xenon headlamps, front parking sensors, etc. were newly offered. It introduced seat ventilation cooling and heating, climate control with air purifier (2003), Alcantara leather seats (2007). From 2005, 3.0 and 3.5 Sigma V6 engine types were changed to 3.3 and 3.8 Lambda V6 engine types which were designed and developed by Hyundai Motors. But the

automatic transmission An automatic transmission (sometimes abbreviated to auto or AT) is a multi-speed transmission used in internal combustion engine-based motor vehicles that does not require any input from the driver to change forward gears under normal driving c ...

was not changed. Hyundai officially ceased the production of 1st generation Equus in November 2009. A new bigger, rear-wheel drive Equus was launched in March 2009.Hyundai Motor Launches its New Equus Sedan
- The Chosun Ilbo, chosun.com, 18 February 2009 Instead of continuing production like Hyundai, Mitsubishi Motors ended the production of the Proudia and the Dignity around the time of the introduction of this model.

Limousine model

A limousine model was made for the Korean market. Equus Limousines have been used by famous company owners in Korea as well as foreign VIPs.

Second generation (VI; 2009)

Initial version

Hyundai Equus VS 460 GLS 2013 (13747003543)

The second generation Equus, codename "VI", was unveiled at the Grand Hyatt Seoul. Unlike the old Equus, the VI has a

rear-wheel drive Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is a form of engine and transmission layout used in motor vehicles, in which the engine drives the rear wheels only. Until the late 20th century, rear-wheel drive was the most common configuration for cars. Most rear-wheel ...

architecture, a longer wheelbase, and a different engine. The VI is based on an all-new platform, developed in-house by the Hyundai Motor Corporation. The South Korean domestic market Equus was available as a 3.8L "Prime" and a 4.6L "Prestige." It is the most expensive model in the company's lineup. It launched in the

People's Republic of China China, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, slightly ahead of India. China spans the equivalent of five time zones and ...

in August 2009. The Hyundai Equus was listed in the '10 exciting cars for 2010' from ''Forbes''. US model was announced in 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and was unveiled in 2010 New York Auto Show. Early US model includes the same 4.6L V8 engine as the Genesis except with more than the current version. This puts the total engine output at with . The North American Equus features a badge attached on the hood as opposed to the hood ornament, the grille features a horizontal grid pattern like its Genesis sibling as opposed to the vertical one on international models, and an included

iPad The iPad is a brand of iOS and iPadOS-based tablet computers that are developed by Apple Inc. The iPad was conceived before the related iPhone but the iPhone was developed and released first. Speculation about the development, operating s ...

device with an Equus user's guide application pre-installed as opposed to a traditional owner's manual. It was the first Hyundai with an Electronically controlled

Air Suspension Air suspension is a type of vehicle suspension powered by an electric or engine-driven air pump or compressor. This compressor pumps the air into a flexible bellows, usually made from textile-reinforced rubber. Unlike hydropneumatic suspension, ...

(EAS) and

Continuous Damping Control An active suspension is a type of automotive suspension on a vehicle. It uses an onboard system to control the vertical movement of the vehicle's wheels relative to the chassis or vehicle body rather than the passive suspension provided by large sp ...

(CDC). Also first Hyundai with Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) collision avoidance system that optimally manages

Electronic stability control Electronic stability control (ESC), also referred to as electronic stability program (ESP) or dynamic stability control (DSC), is a computerized technology that improves a vehicle's stability by detecting and reducing loss of traction ( skiddi ...

, the

electronic parking brake An electronic parking brake (EPB), also known as an electric parking brake or electric park brake, is an electronically controlled parking brake, whereby the driver activates the holding mechanism with a button and the brake pads are electrically ...

, radar smart cruise control and the seatbelt tensioning system for optimal safety.

Equus Limousine

The long-wheelbase version Equus was unveiled in September 2009. It is longer than the sedan version. Engine choices include Lambda 3.8L and Tau 5.0L engines. The limousine model has an exclusive horizontal cross-bar radiator grille, as well as features such as a power-driven footrest, rear-seat leg support and a massage system. Hyundai also developed an armoured vehicle based on the limousine, with an enlarged 5.5L version of the V8 engine. In September 2009, Hyundai delivered three bulletproof limousine versions of the luxury sedan Equus to the South Korea Presidential Security Service to be used as the

official state car An official state car is a vehicle used by a government to transport its head of state or head of government in an official capacity, which may also be used occasionally to transport other members of the government or visiting dignitaries from ot ...

. Hyundai designed this vehicle with a special alloy, with an automatic cooling system in case of fire as well as bulletproof windows. The first-built armoured limousine was donated to

Blue House Cheong Wa Dae ( ko, 청와대; Hanja: ; ), also known as the Blue House, is a public park that formerly served as the executive office and official residence of the president of South Korea from 1948 to 2022. It is located in the Jongno distri ...

. A modified Hyundai Equus was donated to

Costa Rica Costa Rica (, ; ; literally "Rich Coast"), officially the Republic of Costa Rica ( es, República de Costa Rica), is a country in the Central American region of North America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the no ...

and is currently used as the presidential car. The limousine was available only in South Korea and Russia. The Russian version had the same price tag as the South Korean version.

Powertrain update (2011)

Hyundai introduced 3.8 L and 5.0 L GDi engines to replace the existing 3.8 L, 4.6 L and 5.0L MPi engines with a new 8-speed automatic transmission replacing the older 6-speed transmission on all applications. For North America, the updated Equus will debut as a 2012 model year with the 5.0L V8 engine rated and .2011 Hyundai Equus, Genesis To Get 429-HP 5.0-Liter Tau V-8
MotorAuthority, 22 June 2010. The engine updates carried over to the facelifted

Hyundai Genesis The Hyundai Genesis ( ko, 현대 제네시스) is an executive four-door, five passenger, rear or all-wheel-drive full-size luxury sedan manufactured and marketed by Hyundai. The Hyundai Genesis debuted in 2008 until Genesis spun off as a separa ...

as well.

Facelift (2013)

Updates included new 19-inch alloy wheels, front fascia and grille design, side mirrors, tail lamp graphics, standard LED fog lamps, instrumental panel and center stack, center console and shift lever design, steering wheel control layout with vehicle settings, genuine wood trim selections, rear seat center console controls, ride tuning, sport mode, front suspension bushings, standard Assurance Connected Care & Blue Link, 7-inch TFT LCD cluster display (Signature), 12.3-inch fully digital TFT LCD cluster display (Ultimate), larger 9.2-inch upper center stack LCD display, climate control system offers three distinct cabin temperature zones, standard smart cruise control with stop/start (from 0 mph), proximity smart key with both key fob and card-key types, dual 9.2-inch rear seat entertainment monitors, power door closure, power lumbar for rear outboard seats, standard Assurance Connected Care (3-year complimentary services), standard Rear Cross-traffic Alert, standard Blind Spot Detection (BSD), heads-up display, vehicle multi-view camera system. This Equus was unveiled at the 2013 New York Auto Show. US models went on sale in 2013 as 2014 model year vehicles. The Tau 5.0 GDi engine is the only engine offered in the US.

Body style

US, Canadian models include only sedan (VS500). South Korean models include sedan (VS380, VS460, VS500) and limousine (VL380, VL500).

Powertrain

South Korean models include Lambda 3.8 MPi, Lambda II 3.8 GDi, Tau 4.6 MPi (366PS), Tau 5.0 MPi engines and the Tau 5.0 GDi (416PS) and (430PS) engines. US models include only the Tau 4.6 MPi (390PS) for the 2011 mode year with the Tau 5.0 GDi (435PS) installed from 2012 model year forward.

Customized versions

RMR Signature Edition Equus (2010)

It is a concept vehicle customized by Rhys Millen Racing, based on Equus with 4.6 Tau engine. It included bolt-on RMR Signature Edition air intake and stainless exhaust, increased engine power by 30 hp, RMR Signature Edition embroidered headrests and floor mats, and ostrich hide leather seats with suede accents. The vehicle was unveiled in the 2010 SEMA Show.

DUB Edition Hyundai Equus (2010)

It is a version of 2011 Equus sedan built by Mummbles Marketing and DUB Magazine. It included Trex DUB Design mesh grille, DUB Design custom body kit, tinted windows and tail lights, and a custom two-tone, gloss black-and-matte charcoal body colour, DUB Edition custom suspension, 24-inch TIS modular style 10 wheels with Pirelli Pzero Nero Tires, custom trunk enclosure with Infinity Kappa audio (9 Infinity Kappa Series speakers, KAPPA ONE mono and KAPPA FOUR four-channel amplifiers), DUB Design custom leather and suede upholstery, DUB Design illuminated headliner and custom rear bucket seats. The vehicle was unveiled in the 2010 SEMA Show.

Armoured Limousine (2012)

On 17 December 2012, an armoured Equus Limousine was delivered to Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN)

Ban Ki-moon Ban Ki-moon (; ; born 13 June 1944) is a South Korean politician and diplomat who served as the eighth secretary-general of the United Nations between 2007 and 2016. Prior to his appointment as secretary-general, Ban was his country's Minister ...

at the UN Headquarters in New York, U.S.

Equus by Hermes (2013)

It is a limited (3 units) version of 2013 Hyundai Equus limousine built in collaboration with French fashion label

Hermès Hermès International S.A., or simply Hermès ( , ), is a French luxury design house established in 1837. It specializes in leather goods, lifestyle accessories, home furnishings, perfumery, jewelry, watches and ready-to-wear. Its logo, since ...

. The vehicle was unveiled in the 2013 Seoul Motor Show.

In popular culture

In 2013, a shipment of 61 2014 Hyundai Equus sedans carried by Korean freighter Morning Spruce destined for the United States was adrift for days after the ship had lost engine power in Pacific Ocean. On 11 March 2014, an Equus sedan was used in the

Chile Chile, officially the Republic of Chile, is a country in the western part of South America. It is the southernmost country in the world, and the closest to Antarctica, occupying a long and narrow strip of land between the Andes to the east a ...

an inauguration ceremony.

References

External links

*Hyundai sites
WorldSouth Korea

Middle East (Centennial)Hyundai Equus Experience (USA)
{{Genesis cars Equus Rear-wheel-drive vehicles Flagship vehicles Full-size vehicles Sedans Luxury vehicles Cars introduced in 1999 2000s cars 2010s cars Limousines